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I am taking the Bariatric Advantage chewables as well. They aren’t too bad. I bought some calcium citrate chewables on Amazon that I don’t like. I’ll switch to the Bariatric Advantage chewable calcium as well once my current bottle is gone.

That's good to know. Is there any supplements you found to help you on training days besides the required bariatric multivitamins? Pre Op 5' 11" #360 >50 BMI

Well my Bariatric Hospital "The Ohio State University Hospital- WEXNER Medical Center"- if You Think the title is BIG You ought to see the place - those corridors Go On and On and On. And the " The" is an integral part of its title, it's a Trademark registered with the Patent Office. They " Carbo- Load" also, they have a Special Drink made by Abbott Labs , the maker of Ensure, and also headquartered in Columbus Ohio ( anybody Smell a Kick- Back There?) You drink one bottle at Midnight and the other no later than 2 hours before your arrival time at check-in. In my case it was Midnight and 3AM because I was to check in at 5 AM for a 7AM surgery time. I live at least one hour, on non- peak traffic ,from Columbus. I was a Good Little Camper, took Bottle 1 at Midnight, Bottle 2 , Well my childhood friend Kathy picked me up at 3AM , popped the bottle open and just sipped as we rode along instead of Chug-a-lugging like I was expected to. Got there , checked in , donned my plug- ugly patient gown which only comes in 2 sizes, small like "you don'T REALLy NEED. bariatric surgery" and" Fall off your shoulders", I of course was issued the latter. Then they took my Blood Sugar and asked for a specimen of my High Test Urine, told them if you're testing for pregnancy I am 72 years old , been widowed for 6 years, go look out an Eastern Window and check for a 🌟 Star. But no, they test the urine also for Sugar Spillover as well as my blood, and both were high. No I NEVER have been diabetic even though being the Adult child of 2 Diabetics as well as over 300 pounds I sure ought to have been . All because I might have been Happy Camper but a failure as a Weight Loss Private first- class because I DIDN'T FOLLOW ORDERS. So that I didn't miss my OR date, I was first scheduled and if I'm behind, there goes the Surgery Schedule right out the Door. So they started IVs in both arms, went full- bore and WASHED that pesky glucose liquid right out of ME. About at this point my 3 kidneys are going "WTF are you doing?" but the re-test was perfect , down below 65 from 197 and everyone is Happy Happy Happy except my Urinary system! Well Dr Needleman promised if I voided like there was no tomorrow, No Catheter! Did my best, figured if I still wet my bedding in the OR--- its their problem while I'm asleep! That all said, This Tuesday I am having a Pesky Ganglion cyst REMOVED, doesn't appear THAT LARGE but it is painful and must be overlaying some nerves, when it does ache like a misplaced absessed tooth, my Left Thumb and First Finger go Numb. Now I do not go around pinching people as a rule, not there aren't people out there who might benefit from a strategic one, but it is nice to be able to tell if you're picking Things up by touch. So I will be NPO from. 11:59.pm tomorrow night for hand surgery which techically could be done with a local or nerve block, I am going " Sleepy-Bye because Dr Doolittle says he doesn't require Comments from the Peanut Gallery while he does his MAGIC. And it is Being done at my local Ding- bat hospital Knox Community Hospital because that's where he has his Staff Privileges. Why DingBat? There was the time they asked my cousin with Obvious GallBladder colic ismf she would like a PAP test, followed right behind them telling me to hold my breath while doing an Lower Arm X-Ray. Now it would be understandable for a Chest Xray but a Limb? Oh-- Come on Folks!

Both in regular diets and after bariatric surgery it has slowed down quite a bit. If I were to increase exercise and cut calories now it may make a difference.

Looking for a good bariatric surgeon with reasonable self pay prices. Preferably in the Utah area but can be anywhere. Any help would be great!

Happy Sunday everyone. I’m just headed to town for an AA meeting. I’m a firm believer we need to educate new coming bariatric patients of the addiction transfer possibilities. My now diagnosed PTSD from all my complications, and the transfer addiction, sure didn’t help. But now I’m on the right path, 2.5 years and going strong. Have a great day ladies.

I love this place. We share real information and experiences. My first bariatric surgeon was a real "jerk." He lied and provided fear base healthcare; Like, "don't drink out of straws." I am so happy you all are doing well and receiving curing treatments. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

I know right....I sure hope we stay in touch, making a local buddy in a similar situation would be a real blessing. Yes I went through smartshape, a very simple process. I did all their medical requirements and tests, had a consultation, paid them and booked my date ..... literally 2 weeks ago 😁.... did you go through the bariatric program here? I considered it and heard it was like a 7 -10 yr wait for surgery 😳 so I decided to go a different route.... I fly out tomorrow morning, surgery at 730 monday, will return to my hotel on tuesday afternoon provided all is well and then stay in toronto until thursday when I fly home

Thanks for sharing your story....I too travel for work and I'm planning to have my surgery in a major city 3 hours from my home. My surgeon is highly recommended and excellent program. I saw a local cardiologist this past Thursday for my clearance. Totally body shamed me. Honestly, I've really never experienced it before and often I bring more of my own emotions on myself. Not with this....why are you here? What does your surgeon expect of me? why are you having bariatric surgery? what's wrong with diet, exercise and moderation? I felt awful. I went to work, and stewed about it all day...then sent a note off to the PA that works with my surgeon to make them aware as this cardiologist is within their Integrated Delivery Network. My surgeon's office apologized, thanked me for letting them know and they would send along to administration. The good news? He cleared me for surgery. His behavior, tone etc were unacceptable. I have one more item to check off and then submit for approval from insurance. I'm so grateful for this board and the openness of sharing. Thank you all.

My weight was going out of control at around 800 calories and less than 20 net carbs a day. I drank lots of water and got plenty of protein and fiber. The same things that had worked for some time just wasn’t working. My body didn’t seem to process fats the same. I kept begging doctors for answers and help. No one even would discuss it or why my abdomen gets so swollen. I was getting sick eating certain foods. At some point when my doctor said maybe I needed my gallbladder out, I decided to look into bariatric surgery. I’ll admit the first surgeon I went to my height was 5’ my weight around 180 but was down a few lbs because I’d just had surgery and felt too sick to eat. My BMI was borderline for surgery coverage with comorbidities for my insurance to cover it. I have plenty, metabolic disorders, spine problems, joint problems, etc. etc. etc. but I never had high blood pressure just high cholesterol. Though my heart races like crazy from orthostatic intolerance. I have glucose intolerance but quit sugar years ago to try to prevent diabetes when I became prediabetic. I got so upset with the doctors appointment I had a meltdown. He talked at me, not to me, made assumptions, didn’t give me a chance to ask questions, said he would only do sleeve. The staff claimed they were going to help but yet I knew it wasn’t going to happen. They were not clear what I needed even though my insurance said it would be approved, the dr office didn’t believe me and wanted a big chunk of change for a down payment that I didn’t have. I wanted to fight it while my weight was still not too high, I feared getting back to being over 200 lbs again. But despite everything my weight jumped another 20 lbs. I finally saw a second endocrinologist (I won’t say what happened with the first) and this doctor listened and understood why I couldn’t take the medications for my metabolic disorders. And she took the situation seriously. she recommended Cleveland clinic and how much easier the process was. She even wrote a letter for my insurance. By then my weight went up to 208 lbs at a weigh in at my general practitioner. I weighed in at the surgeon and it was 203 lbs which was 39.6 BMI. For my insurance my BMI had to be 40 since they didn’t seem to accept my comorbidities. They told me to gain a few lbs. I explained that it was higher at 206 it was just above BMI 40. So they put that on record. I was too sick to eat much. I admit I did have a few small cheat meals, though I never did give in to fried chicken or pizza except a low carb pizza I used to make ... thankfully my insurance did come through. Even though My last weigh in was 203 lbs before surgery at a required nutrition class. I did hate seeing the numbers on the scale get to over 200 lbs even though I was still fighting hard. It was painful really. The tough part was my appointments were afternoon and I’m not a big morning water I always had a protein bar and coffee. The last few weeks I cheated and had a bowl of healthy cereal for breakfast. But oh my point was i have to get transportation to Cleveland clinic and the rides take hours to get me there. It was frustrating and I spent every moment worrying that the surgery wouldn’t happen. Thankfully the doctor knew I needed gastric bypass surgery (especially due to severe GERD) and also was able to help with my gallbladder. I knew the risks of surgery given all my medical conditions and that it would make things worse in some ways but I also knew if I kept gaining that was even worse for me overall. After the one week liquids my weight was 197 I think but after surgery it was back at 203.7 ... it is upsetting to have to go so far to just get help. But honestly, I was on the verge of just giving up. My body and mind wanted to call it quits. I don’t know how to say anything without writing too much and exhausting myself in the process. If the surgery is important , do what it takes to get there. And fight to have the tools needed to get where you need to go.

I read your post on that thread, I think. Very helpful, thank you!! I actually had no idea that I'm not supposed to be taking any NSAIDs ever after bypass surgery. I thought it was just for the first few months or something. Thank god I haven't taken anything. Same! Nobody from my bariatric doctors office mentioned anything about this! It's frustrating that I have to find things out myself when they could've easily just told me. I feel like there are probably a lot of other important things that I don't know about. I called my psychiatrists office and after a million phone calls with them not answering or saying no one from my medical team was available to speak to me, I finally got in touch with her medical assistant. So initially when I saw the doctor she asked me what kind of medication I'd prefer and I told her I didn't know, but she had no problem giving me whatever I asked, had I asked. However, when I spoke to her medical assistant recently the MA said that there was no way the doctor would write me a different prescription without proof that I actually had the surgery and that I shouldn't be taking any extended time release medications. So she asked for a letter from the doctor who did my gastric bypass surgery stating that I shouldn't be taking those meds. I'm 100% sure that the actual psychiatrist wouldn't have asked for all this but for some reason her MA is kinda blowing it out of proportion (in my opinion). Anyway, I called his(my bypass doctor) office and spoke to his MA and she said he wasn't in his office and that she'd have to get back to me next week. It's so frustrating. I start classes and work and everything on Monday and I was hoping to have all this settled by then because I won't have time to jump through another million hoops for them.

And another side of things maybe? I was diagnosed with OSA. in October 2017, got my machine who I Christened Uncle Snuffely in Early November that year, in January 2018 my Sleep Doctor Laurie Moody MD confirmed I was compliant, but still needful, this was the final specialist- confirmation I needed before having SURGERY scheduled, shortly after that Surgeon #1 and I parted company, His Idea & not mine, I won't totally revile him at this point although perhaps He merits it, he HAS helped many other Bari-Pals currently active, but FAILED ME. "Nuff said? At any rate I was allowed to take all my "Credits" with him on to Program #2 where I did receive the Surgery I earnestly Sought. AND I was compliant with my C-Pap all along . Well I have lost 145+ pounds, and I , like many others, was hopeful that my C-Pap would surely be deleted from my Life as so many others have been able to do. Alas NO- I am among the the Minority that Bariatric Surgery DID NOT CURE. I was aware that it runs strongly in my family, my Son, the Tomkitten is now the Third Successive Generation to be diagnosed with O..S.A., and We have NO CLUE how many preceding generations it manifested itself, in the Olden Times people just died in their sleep, NBD, just a fact of Life. So mine is Intrinsic, the outside factor of Obesity or Not, it just turned out to be a NNM, a No Never Mind, my settings were lowered but the Bottom Line is: Uncle Snuffly and I will be Steady- Dating the rest of my Life and now Tomkitten has a Uncle Snuffy of his own, and will be seeking surgery if PCP sends the Letter of Recommendations. Told him to exhaust exercise and diet options first but would probably write it the End of September. So now you know of an Minority, Frustr8 and her Family. At least it is not a Death Sentence but merely a Life Prolonging One! And Yes we both Sleep Calmer and More Peacefully with than Without, quieter without us gasping and both snoring. And you Do Get Used to SOMETHING that really helps, My Friend.

How about going to Amazon ? They have Bariatric cookbooks.

I use Bariatric Advantage chewables morning and night, along with their chewy calcium citrate, which tastes like dessert!! The multivitamin isn't bad at all!! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

One of them has to be joining Bariatric Pal. You see, I am a Facebook Drop- out, the wrong people liked or friended me, the Good Ones never did. So I felt scared and scarred, but I looked and what I saw I liked and I'm still here, posting almost 2 years later . That's a Good Spontaneous, my bad one was Binging on ALL the food that couldn't Outrun ME. But I have turned THAT around and expect to END a SUCCESS!

I've found the popular strength programs to be very helpful - many have apps and you just plug in the numbers and do what the app says. It will systematically increase weight over time until you plateau - they even know how to deload when you hit plateaus. On Monday for deadlifts I'll pull 330lbs for 8+ reps which puts my 1RM around 400lbs. I started at 180lbs after surgery and followed Strong Lifts 5x5, 3x5, 3x3, then Madcow 5x5 and now Wendler 531. My goal was a base level of strength with 1RMs of bench 315lbs, Squat 350lbs, overhead press 200lbs and deadlift 400lbs. Now I'm moving to adding more size. Most of this I did with a caloric intake of 2500-3000 calories and 180-230g of protein per day. I've found with this intake getting the lifts done is not the issue but recovery the next day is the issue. I'm still working through this stuff myself. I'm sure non-bariatric surgery lifters doing my programs and weights are probably up around 4000+ calories.... Keep up the great work!

it varies tremendously from person to person. I lost 16 lbs the first month. I would say most people lose somewhere in the 15-25 lb range. Of course there are those who lose less or more than that, but I would say (just from observation from hanging out on bariatric boards for the last five years), that that's about the average range. I learned really quickly NOT to compare myself to others. After losing 16 lbs the first month and being a slow loser the whole time, I would have been very disappointed had I done that. Just stick to your plan and the weight WILL come off, whether fast or slow. I was very committed to my program and ended up losing all of my excess weight.

Is anyone else autistic and having or have had WLS? Or knew an autistic that has had surgery? I have Aspergers and am currently pursuing VSG. I'm down to my three final clearances but struggling with getting psychological clearance due to my disorder plus depression and anxiety. I've been in therapy and doing extensive journals for months. It feels like I'll never get approved. My psychologist appears more concerned about me dealing with life after surgery because of my autism than my depression (which I'm getting treatment for). As in, she's specifically mentioned that because I am autistic that she feels that I'll struggle horribly with post op. Did anyone else experience this roadblock?

I've tried a sample of the Celebrate multi chewable in Forest Berry and it was actually pretty good! It looks so ugly in the package that I worried I'd just taste medicine and grit but didn't get any of that. A pleasant surprise. I've also had luck with Bariatric Fusion multi with iron chewables (I believe I've had the orange flavor). I prefer capsules but have to do chewables the first couple months. I also got a sample of the vitamin powder drink mix (can't remember the flavor) but I'm curious at the citrus since you mentioned Tang haha

I was aproved for my bariatric gastric sleeve i just finished my pre op class today yayyy ..gl to everyone Sent from my LM-Q720 using BariatricPal mobile app

I am only 4 days post op and 5 weeks till I can be back in the gym (boot camp style) but I’m starting to look into stuff for when I can get back to the gym. What is a Bariatric patient friendly BCAA and L-Carnitine supplement that isn’t too sweet? The one my gym sells is really sweet but I have to dilute it a lot (I finish it) but now that i won’t be gulping down i feel like I’ll need to find one i don’t have to dilute as much and not need much water so it doesn’t go to waste. I normally mix the both together.

I’m going through University Hospital, I have Cigna, and I want the sleeve. I’m hoping all goes fast with the paperwork once it gets here & I send it back to be processed, so I can have my first consultation appointment. The dr that did the surgery when I had my gall bladder removed is through UH for the bariatric program and surgical procedures. She’s highly recommended through my insurance. I loved her during my gall bladder surgery, she was amazing, so my fingers are crossed this all works out. 🤞🏼

I m looking into bariatric vitamin options, has anyone tried barimelts multivitamins? Are they gross? Do they melt fast? Your opinions plz? Ty

I just received the call today that the bariatric team has formally reviewed my insurance information and I’m approved for the bariatric program! I don’t know what this really even means in terms of what to expect from this point forward, but the biggest thing (besides my butt) is that I’m moving forward!!! They said they’re mailing me all the enrollment paperwork for the program today. I’m so happy and excited to start this new journey. I’ve been walking a mile each day and watching my meals. I want to be in a good mind set to put my all into making this a lifestyle change that lasts. I wish the paperwork was here now, I am ready to roll, but I’ll bide my time, and keep on trying to change what I can here. I have to start combing this site for good pre-op info now. Yay!!!

I’m 5 months and 17 days from my gastric bypass surgery and I had my 6 month appointment. I am down 82 lbs!!!! I am now under 200lbs! I started at a size 22/2xl or 3xl; I can fit into a size 16 pants and a large shirt now! the last time I was under 200lbs, I felt like I was starving myself and it made me miserable. The last time I lost this much weight was when I had an eating disorder. This surgery is One of the greatest things to happen to me! For folks feeling discouraged or worried, these things pass. My 8yr old son is roughly 70 lbs and I cannot believe I was carrying that around on my bones, joints, feet, etc.,! I’m so grateful that my body is forgiving me for all the food abuse. Here are some thing you may be asking (o just things I felt may be helpful/encouraging): Do I go out to eat? Yes. Sometimes I have just a few bites and take the rest home. My leftover meals can last me 3 days sometimes. I plan ahead too; it’s trickier to spontaneously go out for a meal. I also try not to waste money. I know what I can or can’t eat and how much. I now find myself eying a plate of food I made and putting some back because I KNOW I can’t eat that much. I eat at home more, which is saving $ *yay* Do I go to social events? Yes. I make sure I have water in my hand at all times and chew, anything that I do eat, thoroughly! Do I feel out of place when I’m out with people who are eating and I say “no, thank you”? Nope. My friends and family know I’m trying to lose weight for my health. They don’t know that I had this surgery. My father, who has type 1 diabetes, has actually started to lose weight too (I’m not going to burst his bubble by telling him I have a tool to help me!). I have never had someone get upset or make me feel guilty about not participating in food. I think if I did, I would be more inclined to DEcline even harder because, no one is going to mess up my progress, no one! Do I feel guilty when people don’t know I had surgery and gush about my weight loss? Yeah, I do. I don’t like my weight being a focus, it doesn’t define me. People ask me “what have you been doing?!” But, I’m honest about what I’m doing. Protein, vitamins, water, low carbs, no sugars. I think I feel guilty because I see others struggle with weight and I know their pain, and I have a tool that has helped me tremendously. I have told some people who are in a similar situation that I was in, they can decide what to do with the information, just like I did. Buffets? Yup. I don’t get my $ worth, but I’m not going to have my life choices change my social habits. I exert self control, which is incredibly empowering now that I actually HAVE self control! clothing? I actually never threw out my “skinny” clothes because I wanted them to fit again. I’m almost there and filling in the gap with leggings. My bras don’t fit and are mostly air (my boobs are just nonexistent lol!) so I do need to get some new ones. I wasn’t large chested to start, so I have my down moments about that loss do you miss the foods you can’t eat? No, not really. I thought I would, but if it gave me dumping syndrome, I don’t desire it. My favorite snack was from Target; caramel cashew trail mix! Oh man! I went to target and got them, and felt so sick After eating them. My fiancé called me to say he picked some up (trying to be sweet) and I genuinely said “ya know? That’s ok, it’s better if it’s not in the house”. I don’t want to have a moment of weakness and feel sick, which is empowering the best part is that I know I am the one doing this. No one but me is exercising, no one but me is making me eat healthier, no one but me is track my food intake, no one but me is making sure I’m taking my vitamins. It was such a great feeling to see my doctors so happy with my successes so far. My PCP was thrilled (he is the one who helped me start this journey after my previous PCPs wouldn’t even discuss weight loss surgery) and my bariatric doctor asked me to share what I’ve been doing so others can follow or be encouraged. Share your successes! What are some of the things you do with success that someone may be struggling with? What keeps you on track? Where did you struggle, and how did you handle it?